Tour or Resort?

Hi everyone,

My boyfriend has split up with me a month before our scheduled 2 week holiday to NZ. Not wanting to waste the credit, I've decided to head to Fiji for my two weeks off. I have done hours of searching, been to see a travel agent, and searched the TT, but would appreciate your indulgence for a few questions.

The travel agent recommended Awesome Adventures, but I read on here that the accommodation is not that good, and there doesn't seem to be a lot of food option. I have 16 food allergies, so food options are a necessity for me - I'm allergic to bread, so I can't eat toast for breakfast. Plus, I really want a private room, with private bathroom. I'm too old for dorm rooms. I'd love to have the guaranteed company, but it'd be pretty worthless if I had to starve.

So I thought, okay, just stay at a resort. But finding one for approx AUD$100 a night is proving difficult! Does anyone have any recommendations? Will I be really lonely and a Nigel-No-Friends if I stay in a resort? I don't mind a backpackers resort, probably would be better for me socially - I've looked at Aquarius Resort, Safari Club, some Mango one and the Nomads Nadi Bay Resort...could anyone give me feedback on these? I think the Mango one is too expensive though.

Lastly, if I don't feel like staying in one place, how do you get around? I don't have much time to research and plan an itinerary. I've seen that there is something called the Yasawa Flyer, but I'm kinda...lost. Sorry, I realize I sound like a desperate woman. I thought maybe I'd spend a couple of nights in Nadi, then maybe a few days on one of the islands, then back to Nadi for a couple more days? I know a million people have probably done this...I'm probably just looking for reassurance.

Thanks in advance for your time. And sorry again.

You'll definitely need backpacker accommodation but that doesn't necessarily mean dorms.

There are all kinds of places that are suitable off the top of my head I can think of Kenia, Moana's Guesthouse, Bobo's Farm, and a number of places in/around Levuka.

Fijians understand food allergies a quiet talk with the cook in a small place is generally enough to meet your requirements.

As to getting around there are all kinds of options-where do you want to go?

My Fiji Guide is a useful resource as is the sticky at the top of the page.

In any case once you arrive in Fiji you'll see that the place has a large well oiled tourist industry staffed by friendly open people who are is easy to deal with-much easier than the Internet(!)

ASlso-Nadi is good for shopping for a few hours some quite good shops downtown but good for nothing else-get outta town!

Thank you so much!

I agree with #2 !!!

Keep Nadi to a minimum. Check out the various places in the Mamanucas and Yasawas. A website like www.tripadvisor.com can give you an idea of the age of the clientele, etc. , at least for the many of the medium places.

I second Bobo's Farm:

1st you have the option to take some food and cook little meals in the guest house, 2nd: since it is such a small place the owners can really take care for you and you can tell them what you can eat,what not, they can offer you all sorts of greens and root crops and fruits.
I remember, that they had a guest with similar problems before.
The only draw back - the bathroom is shared, but only with one other party in the guest house. (The guest house has 2 guest rooms only).

I'm interested in this topic too, as another female travelling solo. I'm going with work (yeah!) in late Oct 07, but hoping to tack on a few days holiday at the end. I love snorkelling - colourful fish & coral. I'm thinking an island near Nadi and/or a couple of days cruising would be purrfect - any suggestions?

Hi Clarem :)

I'll be there late Oct 07 too (lucky you going with work, I wish they'd send me somewhere good!). I kind of got a bit discouraged and just went with what my travel agent suggested, so I'm staying for a few nights in a place called Smugglers Cove in Nadi and then about a week in Mango Bay Resort on the Coral Coast, which came recommended from a friend. I thought Mango Bay was in the Yasawas and then after I booked I realized it wasn't! But it looks really nice on their website, but I'm a bit worried for things to do. It's a "flashpackers" resort, so I'm hoping the people will be friendly and they've got lots of free activities.

I think if you want a couple of days cruising Awesome Adventures looked good to me, if you're happy to do the share room/bathroom thing. But the Yasawas look amazing, I'm hoping to do a day trip there. I think I read on the TT that Robinson Crusoe island is meant to be good, and Beachcomber is very popular too. Other cruise options like Captain Cook are really expensive!

Good luck and hope you have a great time!!

C

Tx Chase - some good tips!

I just wanted to be more specific - I'm (newly!) 40, newly single (after 14 years) - want to avoid private honeymoon islands with 10 couples, but too old for dorm accomodation. Something social with private room and/or bathroom; 3-4* accommodation is what I'm thinking...

For me, it's all about great snorkelling and/or gorgeous beach to read & chill

C

Hi Clarem,

I think Mango Bay might be okay for you, or somewhere like it. I've got a Beachfront Bure there, private everything as I'm too old for dorms too! I read some really good reviews for it on www.tripadvisor.com</a> - only one bad review there that I saw! The Yasawas seemed a bit coupley for me, but Mango Bay seemed like a good jumping off point for day activities. But I don't think Mango Bay is 3-4*....So, sorry, I guess I'm not much help!

Bula Clarem,

Get away from the mainland and out to the islands. Not sure of your age, if your in your in your late thirties and above Octopus is excellent (they have their own boat), for more of a younger party try Manta Ray food and accommodation are several notch's above the rest. You can also try Walu beach, the dorm price is around 80FJD, but the dorm is actually closed so you stay in a very nice lodge or Buri, food and service are very good.

Thanks to all for your advice - here's my post-holiday report.

Fiji was beautiful; Octopus Island resort was BLISS. I had a love affair with the ocean and went snorkelling 3 times daily - including 6.30am morning snorkel on the reef 10 steps from my bure (oceanside garden bure). For divers staying a while, they have a great deal - unlimited dives for about F$500; one friend did 16 dives in 2 weeks. I went out on the boat with the divers for additional spots for snorkelling.

Mostly a couples-island; about 100-ish guests in total at the resort including 20-ish in the dormitory (mostly international 20+yr old travellers). (Outdoor) games night on Sat night was fun; Sun morning trip to village church was very moving. Outdoor movie night Sun night & ?Wed night.

Food was excellent. No refrigeration available for guests, so bring your duty free spirits and buy cold mixers from the bar. They have filtered water (free) at the bar; can also buy cold drinks. Helicopter transfer service started in the first week of Nov 2007.

There were a few kids there, but not many. No formal kids club, but cheap cheap child-minding available (?about F$5 per hour); plus a hotel pool and beautiful beach.

Beautiful beach, yummy food including tropical fruit, hammock, cocktails, friendly people....mmmm. ;-) - highly recommend Octopus Island resort.

Thanks Claerm !

How much was the Heli transfer?

My friend took the helicopter - it's quoted on the website as:

"The flight takes just 20 mins and costs $110 (one way) (Adult/Child) and includes your Airport and Hotel transfers to and from the Heliport. "